Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso

The origin of Shih Tzu is somewhat cloudy, it is believed that it has its roots in Tibet stretching as far back to the first century where Lhasa Apso is originated and may have been related to the native Tibet dog. Shih Tzu was brought to China in the 17th century. It was solely bred in Forbidden City and could only be kept by royalty.

Whereas Lhasa Apso led more of a humble life. It has a history tracing back to 800 B.C. Lhasa Apso was bred by holy men as watchdog in Tibet’s many Buddhist temples and monasteries. It is believed to bring good fortune to their owners, and was exchanged as gifts in appreciation of services rendered but never could be sold. The first Lhasa Apso was brought to the United States as a gift from the Dalai Lama.

Although Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso came from the same origin and may be somewhat related, they don’t share any similarity in characters and temperaments.

Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso

Breed	Shih Tzu	Lhasa Apso
Country of Origin	China	Tibet
AKC / KC Groups	Toy group / Utility group	Non-sporting group / Utility group
Original Function	lapdog	Companion, watchdog

Physical Appearance

Coat Color	all colors, but those with while markings on the forehead and tail tip are favorable	sandy, brown, slate, and white
Coat Type	double coated, with a dense, long, flowing outer coat	long, coarse outer coat and thick undercoat
Head	broad with abundant long hair on crown and muzzle, muzzle short and square, but not wrinkled, domed skull with definite stop	covered profusely with long hair, skull rather flat and narrow, muzzle longer and less square than in the Shih Tzu
Eyes	dark brown, rounded and quite large	medium sized, dark brown and at the front of the face
Ears	large and pendant	hanging down and feathered, dark tips preferred
Body	long, level back and wide chest	longer than its height, level back and muscular loins
Tail	carried well over back	carried over back in a screw
Height	8 – 11 inches	10 – 11 inches
Weight	9 – 16 lbs	13 – 15 lbs

Temperament, Needs, and Learning

Overall Temperament	great charm, vitality, upbeat attitude, loves to play and romp, does have a stubborn streak	active, assertive manner, independent, stubborn
Exercise	very minimum, short walks or some play session	Moderate, short walks or vigorous play session
Grooming	high, need brushing or combing every other day due to its luxurious coat	high, need brushing or combing every other day due to its luxurious coat
Ideal Home Environment	apartment, not suitable for outdoor living	apartment, not suitable for outdoor living
Ideal Owner	laid back	active and firm
Intelligence / Ranking	low / no.70	low / no.68
Trainability	low	very low

Behavior

Excitability	moderately low	moderately high
Playfulness	moderately high	moderate
Demand for Affection	high	very high
Watchdog Barking	moderate	extremely high
Protection	very low	very low
Dominance Over Owner	moderate	moderate high
Good With Dogs	very high	low
Good With Pets	very high	moderately low
Good With Children	very high	not compatible
Good With Strangers	very high	extremely low, rather reserved

Health

Life Span	11 – 14 years	12 – 14 years
Major Aliments	canine hip dysplasia	patellar luxation
Minor Aliments	renal dysplsia, progressive retinal atrophy, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, entropion, trichiasis	renal cortical hypoplasia, entropion, distichiasis, progressive retinal atrophy
Recommended Food	poultry, pork, beef, barley, rice, oats	poultry, fish, beef, rice, beet pulp, white potatoes

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Shih Tzu vs Lhasa Apso